Students across North Fulton have taken on various environmental projects this year as part of the EverGreen School Program, a partnership between Keep North Fulton Beautiful, Milton Grows Green, and the cities of Milton, Alpharetta and Roswell.

“The point [of the program] is … more environmental awareness in the schools,” said Cindy Eade, one of the coordinators.

The voluntary program promotes environmental education and assists teachers, administrators and parent volunteers with goals set at the beginning of the year, said Eade, who also serves as the environmental sustainability coordinator for the city of Milton.

The EverGreen schools hold their final meeting of the school year today where participants will discuss the work they’ve accomplished in the program. Schools will also be recognized with signs and ribbons for their achievements. This year, Crabapple Crossing Elementary School students decorated rain barrels in their art classes.

Cogburn Woods Elementary School became a certified wildlife habitat through the National Wildlife Federation, and Birmingham Falls Elementary School rented a giant inflatable Earth balloon for students to learn about the planet.

One of the goals for Chrysalis Experiential Academy was building a greenhouse at the school.

Fifth grade students at Roswell North Elementary School took over the school’s recycling program, and Mountain Park Elementary expanded its vermicomposting project.

Students from Hopewell Middle School and Lake Windward Elementary School became involved in the Adopt-A-Stream Program.

“We’re so proud of the accomplishments that these schools do with their kids,” said EverGreen coordinator Terry Porter, who is also Alpharetta’s environmental programs coordinator.

EverGreen coordinator Vicki Culbreth, the environmental education coordinator for the city of Roswell, said it is important for students to have hands-on learning about the environment.

“Once they get hands-on with something and they take ownership of something, they’re vested and they really take pride in what it is they’re doing,” she said.

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